The reading passage argues that the main reason traditional bookstores have declined is the growing popularity of online book retailers, which offer lower prices and greater convenience. However, the professor in the lecture disputes this claim by presenting alternative reasons for the decline, such as rising operational costs and changing consumer habits. First, the reading states that online retailers, like Amazon, have made it difficult for physical bookstores to compete because they offer books at significantly lower prices. The professor challenges this idea by pointing out that price competition is not the only factor. He explains that many independent bookstores have adapted by selling books online as well, yet they still struggle financially. This suggests that other factors besides competition from online retailers are contributing to their decline. Second, the reading argues that customers prefer shopping online because they can access a wider selection of books without leaving their homes. In contrast, the professor argues that a bigger issue for bookstores is the increasing cost of rent and maintenance. He explains that many bookstores, especially those in large cities, have been forced to close because they can no longer afford the high rental prices. This problem affects bookstores even in areas where online book sales are not dominant. Finally, the reading suggests that traditional bookstores are disappearing because people are simply buying fewer books due to digital reading options, such as e-books. However, the professor refutes this claim by stating that book sales have remained relatively stable over time. He explains that while e-books have become more popular, they have not completely replaced physical books. Instead, he argues that shifting consumer habits, such as preferring to spend money on entertainment like streaming services, have contributed more to the decline of bookstores than the rise of e-books. In conclusion, while the reading attributes the decline of traditional bookstores mainly to online retailers, the professor disagrees by arguing that high operational costs and changes in consumer spending habits have played a greater role in their disappearance.